Electric display system.



C. F. BRSCHNECK. ELECTRIC DISPLAY SYSTEM. APPLICATION FILED 1,111.11, 191s.

1,110,872. Patenteasept. 15,1914.

SHEETS-SHEET 1.

@QCDGGOCDOOOO@@00000099 OOOOOOOOOO'OGOOOOOOGOO- OGOOOO@OOO-0000600@OOC)4 OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO- OOOOOOOOOOOOOGGGOGOOO INVENTOR Q. F. BORSCHNEGK. ELECTRIC DISPLAY SYSTEM. APPLICATION FILED JANJI, 1913.

Patented Sept. 15, 1914.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

` INVENTon C. F. BORSCHNBCK. BLBCTRIG DISPLAY SYSTEM. APPLICATION FILED JAN. 11, 1913.. 1,1 1 0,872, Patented Sept. 15, 1914.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

INYINTOI.

G. F. BORSCHNEGK. ELECTRIC DISPLAY SYSTEM.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 11, 1913.

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CHARLES l:mank BonsoHNncK, or KNoXvILLE, PENNSYLVANIA.

ELECTRIC DISPLAY SYSTEM.

Tgall :whom 'it may concern yBe it .known that I, CHARLES FRANK BBSGHN'ECK, acitizen of the United States, and residing'inthev borough of Knoxville, in the vcounty of Allegheny .and State of Pennsylvania, have invented or discovered new and useful Improvements in Electric Display Systems, of which the following isa specification.

My invention relates to apparatus whereby letters or -other characters or representa- .tions are caused to traverse an electric sign or display board.

Generally speaking, it comprises switching mechanism whereby the electric circuits controlling the 'lights on thedisplay board are operated to produce the traveling effects. Means, connected with the display board, are provided, by which aterminal or group of terminals, representing lone or more letters or other characters, is selected and caused to :travel o-ver a `field of` contacts whereby the correspondingI letter or' characteris causedy to travel over the display board.

lllective mechanism is desirable. v

ter purpose I showtwol forms of devices, one p The selective operation may be accomplished by hand, as .by means of any convenient type of key-board, where, as in reportingr current news, the wording cr characters are not constant.l But for use where the character of the matter displayed is constant, as

'in advertising, any automatic`contrcl or se- For the latofwhich consists of a bank or line of brushes adaptedto contact with a contact block or othe'rmeans for establishing a corresponding-numbercf circuits which, when closed,operat`e`/ the switching apparatus of. one or more display boards. The Vcontacts are made and broken by means of a travelingstrip or ,ribbon of insulating `material provided with slots or perforations, propely placed, through which said brushes intermittently make contact, thus setting groups of terminals ofthe switching apparatus which produce the desired letters .or

ting circuits and'controlled by a perforated# characters on the display board. The other form iselectro-pneumatic in character and consistsof a group of pneumatic relays 'adapted to make and break the terminal setstrip or ribbon traveling over the former.

The switching apparatus, of which I show two formscomprises a pair of adjacent sup- Specication of Letters Patent.

Patented sep1;. 15','191.1.

Application led January 11, 1913. Serial No. 741,368.

ports, one ofwhich moves. One-offsaid supports isprovided with stationary contacts which are severally in circuit with the individual lights on the v.display board The other support is provided with terminals capable of extension to contact with said xed contacts, and means', controlled by the selective mechanism above referred to, are

provided for extending or retracting the movable terminals wherebythe various lamp circuits are completed as may be required. Novel means for mounting and controlling `the movable terminals are provided, and

novel features of construction and arrange'- ment -ofv elements and parts will appear :'70 In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 i from the following description.

is a perspective of one form ofthe switching apparatus, the display board and its.

connections with the switching apparatus being shown diagrammatically: Fig. 2 is a broken section of the -switching apparatus along the line II-II in Fig. 4, showing the setting apparatus in position to set one of the movable terminals; Fig. 3 is an enlarged detail of the same showing the setting apparatus in its inoperative position; Fig. 4l is a vertical section ofthe 'switching apparatus along the line IV-IV'in Fig. 1, and a diagrammatic view .of the automatic electric selective mechanism connected therewith; Fig. 5 is a detail of Fig. 3 'showing one of the movable terminals in inoperative pos1-.

tion; Fig. 6 is a similar view showing-the same in operative position; Fig. 7 1s a section along the line VII-VII in Fig. 6; Fig.

48 is a bottoml plan view lookingin the direction of the arrow in Fig. 5; Fig. 9 is a view partially in section along the line IX-IX in Fig. 10 and partially diagrammatic showing a'modiied form of-switching apparatus and an electro-pneumatic selective apparatus; Fig. 1,0 is an end elevation of.- the switching apparatus partially in section along line in Fig. 9, one of the disks being partiallybroken away, and Fig. 11 is a lo-ngitudinalsection of one of the members .of the 'electro-pneumatic selective device.

The following is a detailed description of f the drawings, reference beingV first had to Figs. 1-8 inclusive'. I willl rst describe the switching apparatusfshownin said figures, which consists of twofconcentric rings or supports A and B, one of which, such as the of mounting said rings I may provide the web lof thering A with a central a erture or journal boX 2, provided with an insulating bushing Vin which is journaled a shaft 3 concentricallyA secured to the web 4 o the ring B. The 'shaft 3 is geared to a dynamo C.'

VThe fixed ring A is provided with a plurality of groups or lines of fixed contact members 5 set transversely of the ring and extending through to the inner perimeter ofthe same and insulated therefrom. Each line or group of contacts. 5 corresponds in number to the' lights or lamps 6 in each row on the display board D transverse to the direction of travel., Thus if the travel of the display on board D is in the direction of the 'arrow,then the number of contacts 5 in each roup in ring A wouldv be equal to the num er of lamps 6 in the correspond ing vertical row on board D, and the number of groups of contacts, which are spaced apart about the ring A, would correspond to the number of vertical rows of lamps on board D. Each contact 5 is connected by a wire 7 to one of the lamps 6 which it con'- trols. In they drawings', for the sake of clearness, I have shown but one groupof contacts connected up respectively. to their individual lamps, Vbut it will be understood that in practice each contact is'wired to corresponding lamp. l

The lamps Gof the display board D are f connected by a com mon return wire 8 with a source of electric current, such as generator E,whose other poleis connected by wire9 and brush 10 with the ring B.

The rotating ring B is provided with a plurality of group's of terminals 11, each grou containing the same number of indivi uals as the ou of contacts 5.and being similarly pice Vtransversel 'of the ring. There are, however, pre erably agreater number of groups of terminals 11 than of contacts 5. 'Said terminals 11 are slidably seated in' radial slots 12 in the ring B and are themselves slotted longituto seat the coiled springs 13. The upper ends of' saidsprings contact with shoulders 14 in alots'12 whereby said springs 13 tend to 'throw said terminals 11 outwardly to drag over and contact with the inner ends of contacts 5. The inner ends of terminals 11 are provided with spring `trl 15 lwhich are adapted to snap over Athe inner ends of slots 12 and hold said terminals 11 retracted. A

f The apparatus for setting the movable Y11 is as follows. 16 is an angular vbracket mounted on ring A and sup orting a group of electro-magrieta 17 wit the ring Blandtransve'rsely thereto, asclearly shown 1n Fig. 4. The number of magnets in the group corresponds to the number ofl movable terminals, 11 in each transverse line or group.' Each magnet '17 isprovided with a centrally pivoted armature 18 whose outer end is provided with a` tripper 19 which, when thel magnet 17 is energized is thrust down into the path of the triggers 15, tripping the same and allowing their terminals 11 to be thrown outwardly to contact with the contacts 5 in circumferential alinement therewith. holds the tripper 19 in its raised or inoperative position. It is thus evident that by energizing the roper magnets, the circuit of' anyl desired'lights may be completed, and by selecting the proper magnets the desired combination of terminals may be set which by the rotation of the ring B will cause any A coiled spring 20 normally A desired letter or character, or series of letends of' slots 12 locking said `terminals 1v1 It is thus.

in their inoperative position. evident that at the completion of the travel of the letter or' character over the display board, the corresponding movableterminals are returned to their inoperative position and the proper ones reset'as they pass the magnets 17.

The automatic selective apparatus, shown in Figs. 1*8 inclusive, consistsof a grou or 5Sline of trailing brushes 22, one for eac magnet 17 and connected with vtheir respective magnets by wires 23. A common return wire 24 runs from the magnets v17' to a source of 'electricenergy, such as a batteny F.l 25 is 'a contact block or other contact member, connected by wire 26 with the' battery F. The brushes 22 contact with block 25 and complete the electric circuits through the magnets 17 thus setting the movable terminals 11 controlled by the individual magnets as they pam under their magnets.

27 is a strip or ribbon of paper or other insulating material which is 1n and caused'to travel between vthe brushes22 and block 25 to break the contact, said strip 27 being provided with perforatlons or slots 28 toA rmit intermittent contact between ualtllusllies'22 and thtlilock 25.v It 1s evl ent t rovidm g r for-ations 28 an; Iletter, danimper resentation may be nade to travel over the displayboardD. Y l

As a convenient method of mounting and operating the ribbon 27, which, for the sake of illustration, is shown as an endless belt for the continued reproduction of the same groups of letters or characters upon the display board D,l I have shown an idle roll 29 and a power driven roll over which theribbon 27 is run, a tension/roll 31 being pro'- vided to enable the roll 30 to operate theribbon. The roll 30 Vmay be driven from the motor C or an independent motor synchronized therewith.

Referring now to Figs. 9, 10 and 11, I will proceed to describe the modied form of switching device illustrated in said gures. I have therein substituted for the concentric rings A and B a pair of adiacent and parallel disks A and B. The disk A is preferably stationary and may be provided with a base flange 32 by means of which it is secured to a bed plate'Gr. A bolt 33 may pass through a slot in said iiange 32 and engage a threaded hole in said bed plate. H is a bracket extending vertically from said bed plate. 34 is a shaft journaled in said bracket H and in the center of disk A and insulated from both. The disk B is rigidly mounted on said shaft which in turn is rotated by means of gears 35 and 36 connecting said shaft with a dynamo C. The disk A is provided with contact members 5,

' similar to contact members 5 of the preceding figures, ,said members 5a being `set in radially disposed groups transversely of the disk A, as shown, and being connected respectively to the lamps 6 of the display board D by means of wire 7a. The contactsa are insulated fromy the disk A in any convenient' manner. The shaft 34 is in electrical circuit with all the lamps 6 of the display board D by common wire 9'a and brush 10a. 11a are movable contact members arranged in radially disposed groups in transverse seats 12a in the disk B. The structure and seating ofthe members 11a is similar to that already described in connection with the 'member l1. The setting magnets 17a are arranged in a group as shown and mounted in the bracket H. Each magnet is provided with a pivoted armature 18El K' and tripper 19 which is extended, when said a manner similar to that described in connection with projection 21 of the ringA. v .e The setting magnets may be controlled switching device.

and actuated by thesele'ctive device shown in the preceding gures, but I have shown in connection with Figs. 9, 10 and 11 an electro-pneumatic selective device which I- will now describe.. l

37 is a block or table over whichis caused to travel a ribbonor strip`27, shown in dotted lines, provided with properlyl placed perforations 28a. The block 37 is provided with a row of orifices 38 which correspond in number to the magnets 17, and each communicating with a tube 39 of one` of the n pneumatic relays I which are also equal in number to saidmagnets. The structure of a relay I is as follows. The tube 39 connects with a chamber 40 which in turn -connects with a second chamber 41 by means of a small port 42. 43 is a diaphragm interposed between said two chambers 40 and 41 upon which reststhe butt of a valve 44 whichV when raised closes a port 45 leading from' atmosphere to said chamber 41. 46 isa tube connecting the chamber-41 to an exhaust pump or other vacuum device, not shown. Thechamber 41 also communicates with the interior of a bellows 47 which carries a con tact plate 48 adapted, when said bellows is contracted, to make contact with the fixed contact plate 49 which is connected by the wire 23a to the proper magnet 17a. A common wire 24a connects all of the relays I to all of the magnets 17B.. n

It is evident that when'an unperforated portion of the-ribbon 27a is passing over the orifice 38, no air enters the tube 39, the diafphragm 43 drops, ythe port 45 is open and the pump sucks air through port 45 and the bellows 47 is at its normal expansion. When, however, a perforation 28a registersl with the orifice 38, air is sucked in through the tube 39, raising the diaphragm 43 and closing the port 45. As insuiicient air is admitted through the small port 42, the air is drawn from the bellows 47., raising the plate 48 into contact with `the plate 49 and completing thecircuit of the magnet 17, and setting the terminals 11i1 controlled by said magnets. As soon as the perforation 28 passes beyond the orifice 38, the mechanism assumes the position shown in I1`ig..11,break` ing the circuit and denergizing the mag-4 net 17a. The ribbon 27a is synchronized in its movements with the movement of the Where a number of display boards are used for the display of the same matter, I y may connect the switching apparatus of each to a common selective apparatus placed in a'convenient location, as in an olice whereV easily accessible, or the various switching apparatus may be controlled by a common hand-operated selective -apparatus if desired. By this means I do away with `the major portion of the expensive wiring now Aused in connection with 4traveling display boards and am enabled to/reduce the number of selec-tive contact brushes or pneumatic relays; otherwise it would be necessary t' provide a selectivebrush or pneumatic relay for each lamp on the display board. y

Although, for the sake of clearness, I have minutely described the embodiment of my invention illustrated in the drawings, I do not wish to myself thereby,but claim broadly v 1. In combination with a plurality of electric lamps, contact members in circuit with the corresponding one of said lamps, said members being mounted in annular series, a second series of contact members adjacent to said Vlirst series adapted to be extended to contact with'said irst members to complete said circuits, means for extending and retracting said second members, and means for moving one of said series in relation to the other'series, for the purpose described.

2. In combination with a plurality ofv electric lamps, contact/members incircuit with the corresponding one'of'said lamps, said members being arranged in groups and said groups'being arranged in annular series, a second /series of contact members also arranged .in like groups'in annular series adjacent to said first series and adapted' to be extended to complete said circints, means.

for extending and retracting saidV second members, Vand means for moving one ofvsaid series in relation to the other series, for the purpose described.

3. In combination with a plurality of elec Vtric'lamps, contact members arranged in for 'the purpose described.

annular series in circuit with the corresponding one of said lamps, a second contact member adaptedV to be extended to contact with individuals of said series, means for extending and retracting said second member, and means for establishing a rotary relationship between said series and said second member relationship between said series of contacts and said second contact, for `thcpnrpos'e described.

5. In anl efectric traveling display device, l

rthe'combination'pf a plurality of lamps; a switching device comprising contact mem;-

. bers arranged in a plurality of annular series in circuitwith the'corresponding one of said lamps, other annular series of contacts adjacent to said first namedseries and extemible into contact therewith, .means vfor rotating oneof said setsv of annular series of contacts, an electro-magnet for each of said last named series of contacts and controlling the extension ofthe same; and an energizing electric circuit for each of said magnets.

6. In combination with a plurality of electric lamps, contact members arranged in annular series in circuit with the corresponding one of said lamps, a second contact member adapted to beextended to contact with individuals of said series and connected to all of said lamps, means for extending said second member, means for retracting said second member after the desired contarts have been made, and means for estabn lishng a rotary relation between said series and said second member, for the purpose described.

7. In an electric traveling display device, the combination with a plurality of lamps -cf la switchingdevice comprising contact members arranged in a plurality of annular series in circuit with the corresponding one of said lamps, a second annular series of contacts extensible into contact with the members of said first series, and connected te'all of said lamps, means for extending members of said second series into contact with members of said first series, and means for rotating one of said series in relation to the other series, for the purpose described, Y 8. In an electric traveling display device, the combination with a plurality of lamps of a switching device comprising an annular series of groups of contact members in circuit with the corresponding one of said lamps, a second annular series of groups of contacts connected to all of said lamps and individually extensible into contact -with members of said first series, means for extending individuals of said second series, means for retracting thesame when the desired oontact has been accomplished, and means for rotating one of said yseries in relation to the other'series, for the purpose described.

9. In combination with a plurality ofelectric lamps, contact members in circuit with the corresponding one of said lamps, Said members being mounted in annular series, a second series of contact members adjacent with said first series adapted to complete said circuits, means for extending members of said second into contact with said first series, and means for rotating one of said series in relation to the other series, for lthe purpose described.

tric lamps, contact members in circuit with members being' arranged in groups and said groups beingarranged in annular seriesa second lseries of contact members also .arranged in groups and Said groups being"4 arranged-in series adjacent' to said 10. In vcombination with a plurality' of elec- 1,110,872 v Y l '5 first named annular series,- means for ex- Signed at Pittsburgh,V Penna., this 10th 10 tending individuals of said second series day of January, 1913.

, into contact with members of said first series,

means for retractingrsaid individuals into C. FRANK BORSCBJNTECK. theininoperative position, a. common coni l Y Y nection between said second series and all Witnesses:

of said lamps, and means -for rotating one E. A. LAWRENGE,

of said series in relation to the other series, J. H. HABIgIsoN.

for the purpose described. 

